Abstract: Provided herein are GPCR-based chemical biosensors that can have a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a response unit that can be used to detect a chemical of interest. Also provided herein are methods of making and using the GPCR-based chemical biosensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to administering glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) to a patient in need thereof, to achieve serum levels of GGF2 within a desired therapeutic window determined based on the disease or disorder afflicting the patient. In a particular embodiment, the patient is suffering from a disease or disorder associated with reduced levels of myelination and the GGF2 is administered to promote myelination in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are CRISPR/Cas9-based gene activation systems that include a fusion protein of a Cas9 protein and a protein having histone acetyltransferase activity, and methods of using said systems.

Abstract: Peptides and compositions comprising the peptides, and more particularly, a peptide effective in anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, wound healing, and anti-cancer treatment, and a composition including the same are described. The peptides provided herein and the compositions comprising the peptides exhibit an effect of alleviating, preventing, or treating inflammation, fibrosis, wounds, and symptoms of diseases such as cancer including these symptoms, and thus may provide a method of preventing or treating associated diseases.

Abstract: A method for tracking calcium flux of a eukaryotic cell. The method includes growing the eukaryotic cell in the presences of a ytterbium salt in solution and spectroscopically measuring ytterbium in the eukaryotic cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peptide of the following (a) or (b): (a) a peptide containing an amino acid sequence including a sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, and 4; and (b) a peptide containing an amino acid sequence including a sequence having at least 60% identity with a sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, and 4, the peptide having highly-shifted accumulation to pancreatic cancer cells and tissues.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multitarget-directed bio-inorganic hybrid structure. The hybrid structure is based on carbon nanotubes, and includes: carbon nanotubes; and two or more peptides bound to a surface of the carbon nanotubes and each independently interacting with different target molecules.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating a protein to be renatured, including: (1) mixing the protein to be renatured with a denaturing solution containing a denaturing reagent; (2) incubating a resulting mixture at such a low temperature that the denaturing agent is gradually precipitated from the denaturing solution, resulting in a decreasing concentration gradient of the denaturing agent and an increasing concentration of a renatured protein or its precursor in the denaturing solution with a decreasing volume; and (3) obtaining at least one of the renatured protein and its precursor.

Abstract: Insecticidal proteins exhibiting toxic activity against Coleopteran and Lepidopteran pest species are disclosed, and include, but are not limited to, TIC3668, TIC3669, TIC3670, TIC4076, TIC4078, TIC4260, TIC4346, TIC4826, TIC4861, TIC4862, TIC4863, and TIC-3668-type proteins. DNA molecules and constructs are provided which contain a polynucleotide sequence encoding one or more of the disclosed TIC3668-type proteins. Transgenic plants, plant cells, seed, and plant parts resistant to Lepidopteran and Coleopteran infestation are provided which contain polynucleotide sequences encoding the insecticidal proteins of the present invention. Methods for detecting the presence of the polynucleotides or the proteins of the present invention in a biological sample, and methods of controlling Coleopteran and Lepidopteran species pests using any of the TIC3668-type insecticidal proteins are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to microorganisms that are genetically modified to express at least one exogenous enzyme involved in D-glucosamine uptake and metabolism. Methods for the production of an exopolysaccharide are also disclosed. The exopolysaccharide comprises N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucose and may be used as a bioresorbable implant for soft tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant fungal host cell comprising at least one first polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide of interest; and one or more second polynucleotide encoding a fungal PepC protease, wherein the one or more second polynucleotide is operably linked to a regulated heterologous promoter, as well as a method for producing a polypeptide of interest, comprising cultivating said fungal host cell.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences are disclosed that encode novel chimeric insecticidal proteins exhibiting Lepidopteran inhibitory activity. Particular embodiments provide compositions and transformed plants, plant parts, and seeds containing the recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more of the chimeric insecticidal proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for delivery of engineered nucleases and donor molecules into the genome of a cell.

Abstract: A bacteria referred to here as Bacillus subtilis 6A-1 is provided, compositions thereof and processes for use of the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and enzymes. The compositions which comprise the bacteria, spores, cells, extracts and/or enzymes are capable of degrading polysaccharides. Such compositions are capable of degrading cellulose, including plant-produced cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose. The bacteria produces at least two cellulose-degrading protein fractions. Cellulose degrading activity continues across pH2 to pH13.

Abstract: Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular taste stimulus in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide compositions, methods, systems, and kits for controlling the activity and/or improving the specificity of RNA-programmable endonucleases, such as Cas9. For example, provided are guide RNAs (gRNAs) that are engineered to exist in an “on” or “off state, which control the binding and hence cleavage activity of RNA-programmable endo-nucleases. Some aspects of this disclosure provide mRNA-sensing gRNAs that modulate the activity of RNA-programmable endo-nucleases based on the presence or absence of a target mRNA. Some aspects of this disclosure provide gRNAs that modulate the activity of an RNA-programmable endonuclease based on the presence or absence of an extended DNA (xDNA).

Abstract: Provided is a mutant protein obtained by mutating a specific amino acid residue of HMGR, a rate-limiting enzyme of isoprene monomer biosynthesis in the polyisoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. The present invention relates to a mutant protein, wherein at least one amino acid residue selected from the group consisting of amino acid residues at positions 91, 225, 257, 287, 339, 411, 470, 509 and 574 of the Arabidopsis thaliana 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase shown by SEQ ID NO:1 and amino acid residues at positions corresponding to the foregoing in 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase is deleted or replaced with another amino acid residue.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell stimulatory fusion proteins and DNA sequences, vectors comprising at least two agonists of TNF/TNFR super family, immunoglobulin super family, cytokine family proteins and optional antigen combination. Instructions for use of these proteins and DNA constructs as immune adjuvants and vaccines for treatment of various chronic diseases such as viral infection are also provided. Additionally, the use of these protein and DNA constructs as immune suppressant for treatment of various chronic diseases, such as autoimmunity and organ transplant rejection, is also illustrated.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods and compositions that are useful to modulate metabolic function of cells in vivo or in vitro. In some aspects the invention includes methods and/or compositions that increase metabolism in cells, tissues, organs, and/or subjects. In certain aspects the invention includes methods and/or compositions useful to decrease metabolism in cells, tissues, organs, and/or in subjects.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to certain polypeptides derived from prokaryotic DGT enzymes, and nucleic acids useful in encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for treating inflammatory disorders of the lower airways, comprising administering an effective amount of an agent, which modulates the expression and/or activity of a proinflammatory cytokine or fragment thereof, preferably in a human. The proinflammatory cytokine contemplated by the invention includes IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha. The present invention describes a kit comprising a delivery device and a pharmaceutical composition for administration of the agent. The pharmaceutical composition includes at least one proinflammatory cytokine inhibitor, optionally one or more additional active ingredients, and at least one pharmaceutically active carrier. The delivery device further comprises a nebulizer, an inhaler, a powder dispenser, an intrapulmonary aerosolizer and a sub-miniature aerosolizer.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for generating macrocyclic peptides from genetically encoded, ribosomally produced polypeptide precursors. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and methods for generating combinatorial libraries of macrocyclic peptides. These methods can be used to produce vast libraries of conformationally constrained peptide ligands as well as facilitate the functional screening of these libraries to identify compound(s) with desired activity properties.

Abstract: Using as a carbon source a long chain fatty acid which has not necessarily been efficaciously used in industry, culture of a microorganism and production of a substance by the microorganism are industrially efficiently carried out. A microorganism is cultured in the presence of a carbon source including anyone of the following compositions: (1) a fatty acid composition containing at least two fatty acids selected from the group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid; and (2) a mixed composition containing at least one fatty acid selected from the group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid, and a fat and oil, and having a content of the fatty acid of not less than 10% by weight.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting BoNT/A enzymatic activity in tissues or a tissue sample are described herein. The invention encompasses antibodies that bind preferentially to BoNT/A cleaved SNAP25 and is able to preferentially detect BoNT/A cleaved SNAP25, as compared to intact (non-cleaved) SNAP25, in a tissue sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid and protein sequences that enhance the expression of fusion proteins by host cells, and in particular bacterial species, together with methods use thereof. While described hereinafter in terms of expression of fusion proteins by Listeria monocytogenes, the present invention is applicable to expression of fusion proteins generally.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell lines transformed to express G-Protein Coupled Receptor GPCR22 and uses thereof for identifying guanosine analogues and/or other ligands to the receptor. In particular, techniques for transforming Drosophila Schneider 2 cells and human astrocytoma 1321N1 cell to express GPCR22 are disclosed as well as transformed cells lines. The transformed cell lines of the instant disclosure may be useful in identifying guanosine analogues and functional equivalents thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to chimeric proteins that can facilitate targeting of nanoparticulate carriers to antigen presenting cells, and to nanoparticulate carriers comprising these chimeric proteins. The invention is also directed to methods of internalizing an antigen in an antigen presenting cell, and methods of eliciting an immune response to an antigen in a subject, using the nanoparticulate carriers comprising the chimeric proteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated cytotoxic peptides having similar sequences as the basic region (BR) of Hexamethylene Bisacetamide Inducible Protein 1 (HEXIM1). Preferred embodiments include QLGKKKHRRRPSKKKRHW (SEQ ID No: 3). QLGRRRHRRRPSRRRRHW (SEQ ID No: 4) and QLGKKILAARPSKKKRHW (SEQ ID No: 5). Also encompassed are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding for the claimed peptides, vectors comprising the isolated nucleic acids, compositions comprising peptides conjugated to cell-targeting or penetrating peptides or antibodies, nucleic acid molecules or vectors expressing conjugates thereof; methods of treating or preventing diseases or conditions, including cancers and obesity as well as a method of eliminating undifferentiated stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro process for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and other tumor types in exosomes obtained from a body fluid which comprises a) concentrating the exosomes and other extracellular vesicles from a body fluid of a patient, b) extraction of total RNA from the exosomes obtained in step a), c) conversion of the RNA obtained in step b) to cDNA, d) amplification of the cDNA obtained in step c) with a polymerase chain reaction whereby primers derived from the AGR2 nucleotide sequence or the complement thereof are used, and e) determining whether in the amplification product variants of the AGR2 gene can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides proteins/genes, which are essential for survival, and consequently, for virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vivo, and thus are ideal vaccine candidates for a vaccine preparation against pneumococcal infection. Further, also antibodies against said protein(s) are included in the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to new nucleophosmin protein (NPM) mutants, corresponding gene sequences and relative uses thereof for diagnosis, monitoring of minimal residual disease, prognostic evaluation and therapy of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Abstract: A Pediococcus acidilactici derived antimicrobial hexapeptide and a preparation method thereof are disclosed herein. The antimicrobial peptide ENGEEE (SEQ ID NO: 1) is reported for the first time. Antimicrobial peptide lactein R16 has good pH stability and thermal stability, has an effect on inhibiting Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus and is capable of effectively reducing the amount of the Escherichia coli in soybean meal. Secondly, the antimicrobial peptide lactein R16 has a certain effect on proliferating Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum and has certain capability of clearing hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, DPPH radicals and superoxide anions. The antimicrobial peptide lactein R16 can be used for biological control and can be used as a feed additive to play important roles in substituting antibiotics and solving the feed safety problem.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a mechanism to completely replace the electron accepting function of glycerol formation with an alternative pathway to ethanol formation, thereby reducing glycerol production and increasing ethanol production. In some embodiments, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising a down-regulation in one or more native enzymes in the glycerol-production pathway. In some embodiments, the invention provides for a recombinant microorganism comprising an up-regulation in one or more enzymes in the ethanol-production pathway.

Abstract: Described are methods for increasing the expression of a transgene in eukaryotic cells by reducing RNA interference (RNAi), and variant cells produce by the method. The methods and variant cells are useful, for example, for the efficient production of therapeutic and industrial polypeptides in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A scorpion venom heat-resistant synthetic peptide (SVHRSP) contains an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 1. One or more amino acids the amino acid sequence can be substituted or deleted. A pharmaceutical composition that contains the SVHRSP has numerous applications. The pharmaceutical composition can be used to protect neuronal cell against amyloid beta-induced toxic effects, or to inhibit the sodium channel current of a hippocampal neuronal cell, or to protect a neuronal cell against NMDA-induced injury. It may also promotes the formation of a pluripotent neural stem cell from a type II astrocyte, or treats a subject, such as a human, having epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism for producing D(?) 2,3-butanediol, wherein a gene encoding an enzyme for converting acetoin into D(?) 2,3-butanediol is introduced into a microorganism having a pathway for converting acetoin into 2,3-butanediol. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for producing D(?) 2,3-butanediol by using the recombinant microorganism.

Abstract: A portable and mobile bioprocessing system and method for protein manufacturing that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production of any type of proteins and for delivery of the produced proteins to patients or for assay purposes. The portable system and method can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein with point-of-care delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays utilizing SPR to detect protein-ligand interactions as well as compositions utilized is such assays.

Abstract: Hybrid immunoglobulins containing moving parts are provided as well as related compositions and methods of use and methods of production. In addition, analogous genetic devices are provided as well as related compositions and methods of use and methods of production.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for eliciting broad immune responses. The methods employ nucleic acid vaccines that encodes highly conserved elements from a virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of screening libraries of chimeric molecules comprising ribotoxic polypeptides, where screening is based on the interim reduction or elimination of ribotoxicity and the methods can identify cytotoxic molecules, each comprising a binding region and a ribotoxic region which jointly possess a desired assay-selectable characteristic, such as, e.g., binding to a target biomolecule, binding to a target cell, and/or cellular internalization.

Abstract: A novel peptide has both an antimicrobial effect and an immunocyte activity regulatory function. The peptide regulates immunocyte activity and also exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacteria such as gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria, thereby being useful for treating various immune diseases such as atopic dermatitis and for treating diseases caused by the infection of pathogenic bacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a muconate pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a muconate pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce muconate.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding B7-related factors that modulate the activation of immune or inflammatory response cells, such as T-cells. Also provided are expression vectors and fusion constructs comprising nucleic acids encoding B7-related polypeptides, including BSL1, BSL2, and BSL3. The present invention further provides isolated B7-related polypeptides, isolated fusion proteins comprising B7-related polypeptides, and antibodies that are specifically reactive with B7-related polypeptides, or portions thereof. In addition, the present invention provides assays utilizing B7-related nucleic acids, polypeptides, or peptides. The present invention further provides compositions of B7-related nucleic acids, polypeptides, fusion proteins, or antibodies that are useful for the immunomodulation of a human or animal subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing (?)-rotundone from ?-guaiene. The method includes the steps of: (1) allowing a cytochrome P450 protein to act on ?-guaiene, which cytochrome P450 belongs to the CYP152 family and is capable of oxidizing the methylene group at position 3 of ?-guaiene to the carbonyl group; and/or (2) allowing a cytochrome P450 protein to act on ?-guaiene in the presence of an electron transfer protein capable of transferring electrons to the cytochrome P450 protein, which cytochrome P450 belongs to the CYP152, CYP106, or CYP107 family and is capable of oxidizing the methylene group at position 3 of ?-guaiene to the carbonyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant protein and uses thereof in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. The invention also relates to the recombinant protein IFNAR2.3, antibodies, compositions comprising same, and uses thereof. Among the uses thereof, the invention especially relates to a method for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, and to the diagnosis kit. The invention further relates to the use of the protein IFNAR2.3 in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing 7-dehydrocholesterol and/or the biosynthetic intermediates and/or secondary products thereof by culturing organisms, in particular yeasts. Furthermore, the invention relates to the preparation of the nucleic acid constructs required for preparing the genetically modified organisms and to said genetically modified organisms, in particular yeasts, themselves.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for producing a fusion-polypeptide comprising the steps of a) cultivating a mammalian cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding a variant fusion-polypeptide wherein the amino acid sequence of the fusion-polypeptide has been modified by replacing in a pro-fusion-polypeptide the endogenous protease cleavage site between the pro-peptide and the fusion-polypeptide with an exogenous (with respect to the origins of the parts of the fusion-polypeptide) or artificial protease cleavage site, and b) recovering the fusion-polypeptide or fusion-pro-polypeptide from the cell or the cultivation medium and thereby producing the (recombinant) fusion-polypeptide.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising fusion proteins, polynucleotides and/or expression vectors with therapeutic utility for suppressing and/or treating cancer, as well as medical uses of these agents, and methods of treatment in which they are used. A fusion protein of the invention comprises an amino acid sequence that provides the apoptosis-inducing activity of TRAIL, and a membrane-anchoring amino acid sequence. The amino acid sequence that provides the apoptosis-inducing activity of TRAIL comprises the extracellular domain of TRAIL, or a fragment or variant thereof. A fusion protein comprising an amino acid sequence from TRAIL that is able to induce apoptosis, and a second sequence that anchors the first sequence to the cell membrane, is markedly more effective at reducing viability of TRAIL receptor positive cells than the naturally occurring (“wild type”) TRAIL protein itself.